Kim Tranter, of ULearnSocialMedia, shares her favorite websites, apps and social media tips.

Internet: In Search of the Perfect Facebook Post

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By Kim Tranter

Kim Tranter, of ULearnSocialMedia.com, shares her favorite websites, apps and social media tips.

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Feb. 28, 2013
12:01 a.m.

Like all small business owners with a Facebook page, I’m always on the lookout for that perfect Facebook post. I mean the post that goes viral and everyone knows who you are. The post that shows personality, fun and strengthens my brand. The post that doesn’t brag or beg and shows the best side of our business.

I read a lot about what to post, when to post and what others are posting. I watch videos and attend webinars and connect with the “experts.” I watch to see what others are doing and shake my head when they “break the rules” and feel encouraged when things seem to work. I love to see Facebook pages start with nothing and spiral in the thousands (or more) with new followers.

Up to this point my most successful posts have been those that I’ve “just thrown up there.” The posts I really didn’t think anything about or give a lot of thought to. One such post was when I posted a picture of my husband in his white chef jacket and another picture of him with his black chef jacket. My post simply said “White or black?” I had over 100 responses to this post which just amazed me.

Last Saturday at 5:42 a.m. I just happened to post a picture of a pretty ugly kitchen. The post read “Leave one word describing this kitchen.” I’m sure you can imagine my surprise when this simple post received 1,000 comments. Well, as of this writing, it’s over 2,250 comments, 246 likes, seen by over 60,000 people and been shared 19 times. This post also brought 15 new followers. Holy cow! Who would have ever thought!

I’ve basically come to a few conclusions about Facebook postings. Here are some tips that might help you promote your business. By no means am I an expert, I’m simply well versed in what works for me.

Pictures and videos have the most action.

Keep posts short. Wordy posts often are skipped.

Fill in the blank posts are popular.

Don’t post more than twice a day. People will unfollow if they feel they are being spammed.

Ask questions and involve followers.

Stay out of politics and religion.

Don’t automate updates (like using your Twitter feed as your update). Scheduled posts once in a while are okay.